Now that Chip Kelly has officially bolted to the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, it's already been reported that Ducks offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich has been tabbed to be Kelly's successor, per a USA Today report that came out just before the Fiesta Bowl. While Helfrich is well-known in Eugene and even in the Pac-12, college football fans might be asking, “Who is this guy?"

Helfrich has spent the past four seasons as the Ducks’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. His offenses have finished no worse than eighth in scoring nationally during his tenure, and they've led the Pac-12 every year he’s been in charge.

Mark Helfrich is expected to be Oregon's next head football coach. (AP Photo)

The 39-year-old coached quarterbacks every year of his FBS career: Colorado (2006-08, where he was also offensive coordinator), Arizona State (2001-05) and Boise State (1998-2000). That’s not by happenstance. He was a four-year letterwinner at QB at Southern Oregon University and led the nation in total offense as a sophomore.

“(Helfrich) can finish Chip’s sentences,” a source told USA Today. “He’s been in that environment long enough (to succeed). It’s a leap of faith, but it’s very similar—I’d almost argue that it was a bigger leap (promoting) Chip than Mark.”

Helfrich made redshirt freshman Marcus Mariota ultra successful in his first season as Oregon's starting QB, and Darron Thomas also flourished under Helfrich. Jeremiah Masoli is another quarterback that Helfrich has worked with in Eugene.